THE case in which former Ministry of Mines, Energy and Water Development permanent secretary Charity Mwansa and former director Charles Mulenga, are facing two counts of theft and abuse of authority failed to take off in the Lusaka magistrate court.

When the case came up for plea before chief resident magistrate Kenneth Mulife, the state said it was not ready to prosecute the matter as they had not received instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Mr Mulife adjourned the case to a later date on which the duo are expected to take plea.

The duo are alleged to have contracted Trafigura PTE to supply 24,626 cubic litres of petrol and 26, 500 litres from Trafigura at a cost of US$24 million without allegedly adhering to the contract terms of payment.

It is also alleged that Mwansa and Mulenga as employees of the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Water Development stole US$9,880, 411 which came into their possession by virtue of their employment.

In the third count the duo are facing a charge of abuse of authority of office contrary to the laws of Zambia. It is further alleged that Mwansa and Mulenga between October1 and April 27 last year approved the issuance of a letter of credit no. SLC/12/15 MEWDZ dated April 27, 2015 for the procurement of 24, 626,28 cubic litres of petrol from Trafigura PTE in the sum of US$12,551,307,45 without following contract terms of payment – an arbitrary act prejudicial to the interests of the Zambian Government.

In count four, the duo are facing a charge of theft by servant contrary to the laws of Zambia. It is alleged that Mwansa and Mulenga on the same dates jointly stole US$1,231, 092 which came into their possession by virtue of their employment.